Wearable Mobile Device and Docking Station

ABSTRACT

A wearable mobile device system may include a mobile device and a removable holder for the same. One or both of the device and the holder may be curved or otherwise contoured to match or generally follow the curvature of a user&#39;s forearm, around which the holder may be disposed. The holder may be designed to receive and hold the device securely, while at the same time permitting rapid disengagement of the device, so that the user easily may be able to use the device by itself, if desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to wearable mobile device such as a mobile phone or other portable electronic device and a docking station for the same.

Cell phones, particularly “smart” phones, have become commonplace in modern times. These devices offer the convenience of both a portable telephone and on-demand internet access via web browsers or downloaded applications. One of the hallmarks of these devices is large touch screens that permit the user to access and view the many different types of content that are possible.

At the same time, the large screens (relative to those of other mobile phones) pose one of the primary disadvantages of these devices, i.e., it is necessary for the device to be relatively large or bulky in order to accommodate the screen, thereby resulting in inconvenient or uncomfortable storage. For example a mobile device sold under the trademark IPHONE 5S by Apple Inc. has stated dimensions of 123.8 mm×58.6 mm×7.6 mm, and a mobile device sold under the trademark GALAXY S4 by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd has stated dimensions of 136.6 mm×69.8 mm×7.9 mm. These dimensions, particularly the depth dimension, can be increased significantly if a user equips the device with a protective case or cover in order to protect the screen from cracks caused by accidental drops.

In order to carry such a device, the user may rely upon placing it in a rear pocket, where it may be susceptible to pickpocketing or to being broken, or it may be uncomfortable if the user sits on it. Alternatively, the user may place it in a front pocket, which may be equally as uncomfortable. Still further, the user may use a “holster” type device, where the phone is attached to the user's hip. While more comfortable and readily accessible, this option also places the device in the open, where it may be more easily stolen, and it is derided by many as being unfashionable.

In any event, each of these options has the further downside that aspects of the device are unavailable to the user when it is in a storage configuration. For example, the user may be unable to use the web-browsing features or use many of the devices stored applications when the device is in the user's pocket or holstered on the user's hip.

Conversely, while the user may be able to use the device more fully when it is not stored, the size of the device may prevent the user from doing much else at the same time. For example, a user looking to use the device while performing another task may need either to hold it in one hand, thereby losing the utility of that hand, or to set it down in a location that may not be convenient for whatever task the user seeks to perform.

Recently, companies have started introducing smart watch devices. These devices have a wireless connection, e.g., a Bluetooth or other microwave transmission connection, with a mobile device and may permit the user to transfer some of the functionality of the mobile device to the smart watch device. At the same time, these devices are not replacements for the mobile devices, i.e., they are not fully functioning by themselves but still require some kind of tethering to the mobile device. Additionally, their display screens may be too small to implement all of the functionality of the mobile devices.

What is needed is a solution that overcomes one or more of these drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a mobile device holder system may include a mobile device holder that has a forearm-abutting portion configured to be disposed around a portion of a circumference of a user's forearm, a device-holding portion extending outward from the forearm-abutting portion, and a band portion configured to be disposed around a remainder of the circumference of the user's forearm. The device-holding portion may form a void configured to overlie a touch screen of a device, and the forearm-abutting portion may be configured to contour around a user's arm. The system also may include a mobile device having a screen side and a rear side opposite the screen side, and at least one of the screen side and the rear side may be curved. Accordingly, at least one and possibly both of the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion may be configured to contour around a mobile device.

The mobile device holder may include a first end and a second end, where the first end is configured to permit insertion and removal of the mobile device, and where the second end is closed. In addition, the holder may include a communications connector disposed proximate the second end, the connector configured to electrically couple with a charging port of the mobile device. As such, the system may include means for charging the device, such as a rechargeable battery and/or at least one solar panel, which may be disposed on or proximate the device-holding portion.

The forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion may form a pocket configured to receive the mobile device. Alternatively, the device-holding portion may include a plurality of rails extending at least a part of the way between a first end and a second end. In that case, there may be securing means configured to retain the device within the holder when the device is inserted fully between the rails.

In another aspect, a mobile device holder system may include a mobile device holder having a forearm-abutting portion configured to be disposed around a portion of a circumference of a user's forearm, a device-holding portion extending outward from the forearm-abutting portion, and a band portion configured to be disposed around a remainder of the circumference of the user's forearm. The system also may include a mobile device having a screen side with a touch screen and a rear side opposite the screen side. In this regard, the device-holding portion may form a void configured to overlie the touch screen, and the forearm-abutting portion may be configured to contour around a user's arm. Additionally, at least one of the screen side and the rear side may be curved, and at least one of the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion may be contoured to match the respective rear side or screen side.

As in the other configuration, in this system, the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion may form a pocket configured to receive the mobile device. Alternatively, the device-holding portion may include a plurality of rails extending at least a part of the way between a first end and a second end. In that case, there may be securing means configured to retain the device within the holder when the device is inserted fully between the rails, and the securing means may include a protrusion extending inward from at least one of the rails.

These and other features and advantages are evident from the following description of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile device holder configured to be worn on a user's forearm.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a mobile device holder configured to be worn on a user's forearm.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the holder of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a mobile device holder configured to be worn on a user's forearm.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 5 disposed on a wearer's arm.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the holder of FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 disposed on a wearer's arm.

It will be appreciated that elements of one embodiment may be substituted for or incorporated alongside elements of another embodiment. For example, the band portion of FIG. 3 may be used instead of the band portion of FIG. 1 or FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen in FIG. 1, a mobile device holder 10 is configured to be wearable on a user's forearm. In one embodiment, holder 10 may include a pocket 12 configured to receive a mobile device 200 in such a way that the device remains accessible to the user while being worn. In one aspect, pocket 12 may be sized to receive and hold securely a specific model of mobile device. In another aspect, pocket 12 may be a one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-most configuration, having internal dimensions at least as large as the largest dimensions of a predetermined group of devices.

Pocket 12 may include a forearm-abutting portion 14 and a cover portion 16. Cover portion 16 may extend away from the forearm-abutting portion 14 and may be configured to envelop the mobile device during use. At least a portion of cover portion 16 may include an elastic or other expandable/compressive material, thereby permitting cover portion 16 to expand to receive larger devices and/or to compress around the device once inserted into pocket 12 to thereby secure the device within pocket 12.

Cover portion 16 also may include a window 18, through which the touch screen of the mobile device may be accessible. In one embodiment, window 18 may be a void in which no material exists. Alternatively, window 18 may be filled with a clear material, e.g., plastic or other polymeric material, which may provide access to and usability of the touch screen, while at the same time protecting the screen from scratches, spills, etc. In the event that holder 10 is configured for multiple devices, window 18 preferably is sized to display substantially the entire screen of each of those devices.

Holder may include a first end 20 and a second end 22. First end 20 may be disposed closer to a user's elbow during use than to the user's wrist, whereas second end 22 may be disposed closer to the user's wrist than to the user's elbow. Holder 10 may be configured such that the device is inserted and removed easily, while still providing for secure holding of the device. As such, second end 22 may be substantially sealed, such that the device 200 may not be permitted to pass through second end 22.

Conversely, first end 20 may include an opening 24 to facilitate insertion and removal of the mobile device. First end 20 further may include means for securing the mobile device within pocket 12. For example, securing means 26 may comprise one or more of: a sealable flap over at least a part of opening 24, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fastener connections, or other fasteners to join forearm-abutting portion 14 to cover portion 16. Securing means additionally or alternatively may include sizing opening 24 to have at least one dimension smaller than a respective dimension of each of the devices configured to pass through opening and then providing opening 24 with an expandable and compressible material, thereby permitting opening 24 to expand while device is inserted and subsequently to compress after device has been inserted. For example, at least a portion of opening 24 may have elastic trim that stretches when device is inserted into opening and then collapses to a smaller size after device has passed opening.

In still another embodiment, first end 20 may permit free passage of mobile device 200, while securing means may be disposed proximate second end 22 or between first and second ends. For example, securing means may include a spring-loaded, latch-type mechanism such as the type of mechanism that may be used to secure an SD card within a card slot. Exemplary mechanisms may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,234,351, 5,275,573, 7,004,770, and 7,534,116, the contents of each which are incorporated by reference herein.

In this embodiment, mobile device may slide into pocket 12 until it engages the mechanism. Mechanism may include a spring, whereby continuing to push the mobile device further into the pocket may increase resistive spring force in the mechanism. A shoulder or other flange may demarcate an ultimate rest position, whereby a complementary shoulder on the device may engage and retain the device in position, although device 200 may be slidable past that position.

Once locked into place, an additional depression of the mobile device towards second end 22 may cause shoulder or flange in the mechanism to move out of the way, thereby permitting free movement of mobile device rearward toward first end 20. Additional depression of the mobile device also may increase resistive spring force, aiding in pushing at least a portion of the mobile device out of first end 20 once the user ceases depressing the device, such that the device may be handled at that portion and removed from pocket 12.

Forearm-abutting portion 14 may be made of a material that is designed to contour around the user's arm. Suitable materials may include leather, nylon, cotton, Lycra, or any other non-rigid material customarily used in the field of apparel.

In order to accommodate traditional smartphone devices, which are substantially rectangular prisms in shape, on or both of forearm-abutting portion 14 and cover portion 16 may include generally planar device-abutting surfaces, as seen in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5-8. Alternatively, forearm-abutting portion 14 may be flexible to contour around the user's arm, while holder 10 may include a generally planar rigid portion between forearm-abutting portion 14 and the device, thereby increasing surface area of engagement between holder 10 and a rear surface of the device.

While traditional smartphones have flat screens and, less significantly, flat back pieces, as seen in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, advancements in technology provide for the possibility of mobile devices with curved faces. Thus, mobile device 200 may have a rear side 202 and a screen side 204, where one or both of sides 202, 204 are curved. As such, as seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, one or both of forearm abutting portion 14 and cover portion 16 may include a curved plane configured to interface with a respective side 202, 204 of the mobile device. Forearm-abutting portion 14 may include a single curved plane common to both its forearm-facing side and its mobile device-facing side. Alternatively, forearm-abutting portion 14 may include a forearm-facing side 14 a having a curved surface configured to contour around a typical user's arm and a device-facing side 14 b having a curved surface configured to interface with an underside 202 of the mobile device. Similarly, sides 202, 204 may have substantially similar radii of curvature, or one side may be curved to a larger extent than the other side.

Turning to FIGS. 3-4, in another embodiment, holder 100 may not have a well-defined pocket as in holder 10. Instead, holder may include a pair of channels 112 running along the sides 115. Channels 112 each may include a first portion 116 extending generally perpendicular to forearm-abutting portion 114, and a second portion 118 extending generally perpendicular to first portion 116 or generally parallel to forearm-abutting portion 114.

Channels 112 may extend at least a portion of the way, and potentially all of the way, between first end 120 and second end 122. Each channel may have a height between forearm-abutting portion 114 and second portion 118 configured to receive a depth of the device, i.e., having a thickness similar to that of sides 206, 208 of device. There also may be a spacing between first portions 116 of channels configured to receive a width of the device. Height spacing and width spacing may be configured so as to hold the device snugly while still permitting lateral movement of the device into, along, and out of channels 112.

In addition to—or instead of—the device securing means discussed above, securing means 126 in this embodiment (and in the other embodiments described herein) may include a protrusion/notch combination between the device and holder 100. For example, one or both of channels 112 may include a protrusion 128 extending inward from first portion 116. The mobile device then may include a corresponding indentation on its side into which protrusion 128 is configured to fit when device is inserted fully into holder 100. The holder alternatively may include one or more protrusions without a corresponding protrusion or indentation on the mobile device. Instead, protrusions 128 may be sized to permit assisted translation of the mobile device through channels 112 while interfering with device translating through channels 112 unassisted.

Alternatively, instead of a notch, the device also may include a second protrusion extending outward from its outer surface. One or both of the protrusions may comprise a series of ramp surfaces along which the other protrusion may slide when being inserted into or removed from holder 100. After protrusion 128 slides past the second protrusion during insertion, second protrusion may prevent the device from reversing direction and sliding out of holder 100 unless actively removed by the user by applying force to overcome the friction generated by the ramp surfaces.

In one aspect, the protrusion may be disposed at a location between the ends of channel 112. In another aspect, protrusion 128 may form or be disposed proximate an end of channel 112, e.g., extending inward generally perpendicular to both first portion 116 and second portion 118. In this aspect, the mobile device may not include a notch or another protrusion. Instead, notch may prevent mobile device from sliding out after the entire device has been inserted past the notch, into holder 100.

In either the embodiment of holder 10 or holder 100, the sides of the holder may include depressible surfaces configured to overlie buttons on the side of the device. For example, many mobile devices include volume toggle buttons on the device sides in order to turn the ringer or application volumes up and down.

The embodiment of FIGS. 3-4 may be more streamlined than the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2. For example, holder 100 may not include solar cells 40, and holder 100 may be tapered between sides 115 of the cover portion and second portion 118 of the device-holding channel, each of which may reduce a height of the second portion 118 relative to the wearer's arm.

Returning now to the embodiment of FIG. 1 (although the following description also may apply to the other embodiments shown and described herein), holder may be a unitary piece of material that connects both sides of forearm-abutting portion 14. Like forearm-abutting portion, band portion 28 may be designed to contour around the user's arm. Because holder 10 preferably is designed to accommodate users with large variations in forearm size, band portion 28 preferably permits a large degree of expansion and/or compression. Band portion 28 may be a stretchable, compressible material such as cotton, spandex, Lycra, etc., with or without an elastic insert.

In another aspect, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, band portion 28 may include a plurality of pieces, such as straps. For example, band portion 28 may include a first portion 30 and a second portion 32 (or a plurality of first and second portions) joined by one or more fasteners 34. Various types of fasteners may be used to join first and second portions, including buttons, snaps, hook and loop connectors, or watch-type connectors, such as hide-face clasps, tang-type buckles, or deployment clasps.

In order to contour to the user's arm, first end 20 may be wider than second end 22, with holder 10 tapering from first end 20 to second end 22. As stated above, a large degree of expansion and compression in band portion 28 may assist in ensuring a secure fit for multiple users. Additionally or alternatively, holder 10 may come in a range of sizes, e.g., small, medium, and large, so that the amount of compressibility of band portion 28 in order to hold holder 10 securely against users with smaller forearms may not be so large as to be uncomfortable for users with larger forearms.

Returning to FIG. 1, holder 10 preferably is substantially symmetrical about a plane passing through both pocket 12 and band portion 28, the plane substantially bisecting window 18. Variations are permissible while keeping holder substantially symmetrical, e.g., in the orientation or location of securing means 26 or connectors 32, or in the location of other features discussed below. In short, holder 10 may be considered substantially symmetrical if a user can wear it on the left or right arm while holder and mobile device remain functionally usable.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, pocket 12 may include one or more communications connectors 36 configured to interface with the mobile device. Connectors may be of the type used to charge or otherwise interface with mobile device. For example, many devices rely upon a standardized electrical and data connection such as a micro-USB connection. Other standardized connectors such as USB, mini-USB, PDMI, HDMI, etc., also may be used, as may proprietary connectors, such as Apple's 30-pin connector or its Lightning connector. References to standards mentioned herein, e.g., “USB,” should be understood to refer to all current and future modifications of the standard, e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.

In one embodiment, holder 10 further may include a battery 38 for providing additional power to the mobile device, as best seen in FIG. 2. Battery 38 may be accessible through panel 42, as seen in FIG. 1.

Battery 38 may be electrically coupled to connector 36 to provide power as-needed to the device. Additionally or alternatively, holder 10 may include one or more solar cells 40, e.g., along one or more sides of the holder or around a perimeter of pocket 12.

In addition, one or more of the mobile device and the holder 10 may include a microprocessor configured to receive a signal when device is attached to holder 10.

When the device is docked with holder 10, microprocessor may send a signal to the device to enter a docked mode, which may activate or deactivate certain features of the device, either according to a predetermined sequence or according to user-defined preferences. For example, the auto-rotate feature of device display may be disabled when device is docked with holder, because the user may need to move his or her arm in multiple directions to accomplish a task while referring to the device but may not want the device to toggle between landscape and portrait formats, which may be distracting and which may make viewing of content on device display more difficult.

Additionally, buttons and/or soft-keys on the device may be set to form specific functions, either when the device is docked or upon launching of an application by the user.

By locating the mobile device on the user's forearm, the user may be able to continue using the device while performing other tasks, e.g., the user simply needs to look at his or her forearm to view the device display and easily can use his or her opposite hand to interact with the display screen and/or buttons located on the device. The user also may have full or nearly full functionality of the device when it is being stored.

In addition, by positioning the closed end closer to the user's wrist and the open/insertion end closer to the user's elbow, the holder may be oriented so as to prevent the device from accidentally falling out, such as when the user is walking and his or her wrist is pointed generally downward. This orientation also may facilitate removal of the device from the holder in the event that the user wishes to use the device by itself, e.g., in order to make or receive a call.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific exemplary embodiment and method herein. The claims should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment and method, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device holder system, comprising: a mobile device holder, including: a forearm-abutting portion configured to be disposed around a portion of a circumference of a user's forearm; a device-holding portion extending outward from the forearm-abutting portion; and a band portion configured to be disposed around a remainder of the circumference of the user's forearm; wherein the device-holding portion forms a void configured to overlie a touch screen of a device; and wherein the forearm-abutting portion is configured to contour around a user's arm.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion are configured to contour around a mobile device.
 3. The system of claim 2, further including a mobile device having a screen side and a rear side opposite the screen side; wherein at least one of the screen side and the rear side are curved.
 4. The system of claim 2, further including a mobile device having a screen side and a rear side opposite the screen side; wherein both the screen side and the rear side are curved.
 5. The system of claim 1, the mobile device holder including a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is configured to permit insertion and removal of a mobile device; and wherein the second end is closed.
 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a communications connector disposed proximate the second end, the connector configured to electrically couple with a charging port of the mobile device.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for charging the device.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the charging means include a rechargeable battery.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the charging means include a solar panel disposed on or proximate the device-holding portion.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion form a pocket configured to receive the mobile device.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the device-holding portion comprises a plurality of rails extending at least a part of the way between a first end and a second end.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising securing means configured to retain a device within the holder when the device is inserted fully between the rails.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the securing means comprise a protrusion extending inward from at least one of the rails.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is configured to securely retain mobile devices having differing dimensions.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is configured to securely retain a predetermined model of mobile device.
 16. A mobile device holder system, comprising: a mobile device holder, including: a forearm-abutting portion configured to be disposed around a portion of a circumference of a user's forearm; a device-holding portion extending outward from the forearm-abutting portion; and a band portion configured to be disposed around a remainder of the circumference of the user's forearm; and a mobile device having a screen side with a touch screen and a rear side opposite the screen side; wherein the device-holding portion forms a void configured to overlie the touch screen; wherein the forearm-abutting portion is configured to contour around a user's arm; wherein at least one of the screen side and the rear side is curved; and wherein at least one of the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion is contoured to match the respective rear side or screen side.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the forearm-abutting portion and the device-holding portion form a pocket configured to receive the mobile device.
 18. The system of claim 16, the device-holding portion comprises a plurality of rails extending at least a part of the way between a first end and a second end.
 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising securing means configured to retain the device within the holder when the device is inserted fully between the rails.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the securing means comprise a protrusion extending inward from at least one of the rails. 